Stonewash your CRK. (Step-by-step with pics)

Bandaids or stitches

Bandaids or stitches

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Mar 17, 2015
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Sometime ago, I read a thread about how someone stonewashed their CRK. I couldn't find the thread, so I decided to do a step-by-step, with an easy-to-remember thread name. This was my first time trying to stonewash, so please add your experiences, what you did differently, suggestions etc.

Since this was my first time taking a Sebenza apart, I took a picture so I could reassemble it properly.



Here are the things that I used to prepare the slabs.
https://i.imgur.com/MwJ7Wj5.png




I put tape over the lock face and detent ball.
https://i.imgur.com/xwsJ0qG.png




Since I didn't want to stonewash the insides of the scales, they needed to be screwed together. I didn't want to tumble the CRK hardware, so I used these screws (as shown in picture #2 above).
https://i.imgur.com/16CqLvE.png




To avoid risking damage to the threads behind the pocket clip, I jammed some Poster Tack in there. It kept debris out of the threads and was easy to remove after the stonewash. If you don't have Poster Tack, you could use Plumbers Putty, Silly Putty...anything pliable and removable.
https://i.imgur.com/bZqDcr1.png




Here's the stonewash "media" that I used: a bunch of pebbles, various nuts and a couple of brass cases (because I'm curious like a cat).
https://i.imgur.com/VM4KH98.png



The stonewash media, scales and pocket clip were all tossed into a plastic container (I did this dry, no water or oil)...I shook and tumbled it by hand for a while. I know others have put it in the clothes dryer, but I wanted to check it every couple of minutes to evaluate the progress.
https://i.imgur.com/g49a5rr.png




I didn't watch the time, but I probably agitated it for 10 to 15 minutes. After I was happy with the look, I wiped it off then put it in another container with stainless steel pins (you can find these wherever reloading supplies are sold). I shook it in here for a short amount of time, probably two minutes. This burnished it somewhat. Also, after this step, the pocket clip seemed to match the scales better.
https://i.imgur.com/TUkJF8o.png




Here are a few pictures right out of the stonewash, and reassembled.
https://i.imgur.com/zlYvzQM.png


https://i.imgur.com/qrdzg7B.png


https://i.imgur.com/rK61Oxl.png


Notice that since it didn't get tumbled with the scales, the CRK hardware is factory-shiny.






...and here are a couple of side-by-side pictures with an untreated CRK.
https://i.imgur.com/rKzEGMc.png


https://i.imgur



Again, this was my first crack at stonewashing. If you've done it differently or have suggestions, please chime in. And please post pics of your stonewashed or Scotch-Brite treated CRK's.

-Sean-
 
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Awesome job buddy! I always wanted a tumbled / stonewashed look on the CRK handles. It wears well overtime and looks good on a user.

I wish CRK offered this finish.
 
It's a damn shame CRK doesn't offer this finish from the factory. Looks incredible.

Thanks for posting this.
 
Thank you to all for the compliments! Hopefully this will provide some encouragement to others who would like a simelar finish to try it...especially on every-day-carry knives. I have gleaned lots of information from you gals and guys here on the CRK forum, and I'm glad I've been able to contribute a little.

Here's the pic of the "media" I used. For some reason I couldn't get it to attach in the post above:





-Sean-
 
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Fantastic presentation of your method! The final product looks great. Thanks for taking the time.
 
Looks great! How's the grippyness? When I did something similar to my small 21 it became a little more slippery than stock.

ThumperACC
 
Bandaids or stitches said:
Thank you to all for the compliments! Hopefully this will provide some encouragement to others who would like a simelar finish to try it...especially on every-day-carry knives. I have gleaned lots of information from you gals and guys here on the CRK forum, and I'm glad I've been able to contribute a little.

-Sean-
Click to expand...

Thanks for the clear instructions. I tried it on my small insingo and am quite happy.

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I obviously couldn't replicate the stone washing from CRK, but I think we have some great home options.

Can't wait to see other additions to this topic!
 
As I posted before, it looks great and have done one of mine as well...........but

Has anyone had the factory refuse service of one of these stoned knives, because it's been modified?
 
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